24 July 2009: SEQ: Public transport users need to actively indicate off peak ...

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Media Release 24 July 2009

SEQ:  Public transport users need to actively indicate off peak when purchasing paper tickets

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said that TransLink ticket buyers need to actively select or indicate 'off peak' to obtain those discount tickets.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Reports and feedback received at RAIL Back On Track indicates that TransLink patrons are not being offered off peak tickets at weekends unless they either select that option when using the new ticket machines, or indicate to a ticket seller or bus driver that is what they want."

"An off peak daily ticket offers discounted unlimited travel between 9am and 3.30pm and after 7pm on normal work days, and all day on weekends and gazetted public holidays, within the zones printed on the ticket (1).  The old ticket machines used to default to off peak on weekends but the new ticket machines do not.  Patrons must actively select or indicate that they require an off peak ticket."

"Casual users are generally not aware of this option, so a reminder to all is timely."

"We would like to see a more proactive approach in alerting public transport users to this option.  This endears positive community spirit and encourages further utilisation of our public transport, with the broad benefits for the community."

"Further more, to encourage uptake and continued use of the go card it would be logical to offer early, late and off peak discounts and capping that matches or betters paper ticket options for those patrons using the go card (2)."

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets.php

2.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2301.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org